Flocking together: Fort Cavazos biologists host ninth annual Christmas Bird Count

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - Community volunteers, biologists and Wild Birds Unlimited-Temple embarked on a birding adventure across Fort Cavazos' training areas. Their mission? To count as many birds as possible in a single day.

Each year, the Fort Cavazos Adaptive and Integrative Management Team participates in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, helping to contribute valuable avian data.

As part of Fort Cavazos' ninth annual CBC, the AIM Team hosted a community outreach event Dec. 17, 2024, followed by the official count on Dec. 18, 2024.

"Outreach events are so great, especially for those who have never birded before," said Kyshawn Pinkett, bat biologist for the AIM Team. "It gives people an opportunity who don't have access or time to do them - a moment to see local avian species and what flies through the area."

For Vicki Dean and her family, the outreach event was an opportunity for her daughters, 9-year-old Anna and 7-year-old Kylie, to create lasting memories and learn about area birds, as well as those migrating through the area.

"Our girls really enjoyed it and asked if they could do it again next year," Dean said. "Initially, they weren't really into it, but after they learned how to use the binoculars, and we started seeing birds, they got into it more."

During the outreach event, Dean and her family, along with 20 others, identified 24 species and 126 individual birds.

The count aimed to identify and record every individual bird encountered within a defined 15-mile circle, relying on both sightings and sounds to document the species.

With binoculars in hand and a spotting scope strategically positioned, participants counted the American pivot, northern harrier, merlin, sandpiper and greater yellowlegs among the species observed during this year's count.

Brad Burden, research and monitoring coordinator for the AIM Team, encouraged those interested in birding to participate in a community science initiative like the CBC.

"Many people who live in cities are only familiar with the birds commonly seen in their local housing areas," Burden said. "Coming to Fort Cavazos and exploring its training areas, which consists of undeveloped land, provides an opportunity to experience the diverse bird species we have here in Central Texas."

Dean echoed Burden's comments, encouraging Soldiers and families to explore, learn more and connect with nature.

"The bird count is a great opportunity to get out in an environment you may not get to enjoy normally and learn from the wonderful Fort Cavazos professionals," Dean expressed. "Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, like us, the count is a way to connect and appreciate nature."

During the official count, the AIM Team identified 98 species and 3,251 birds.

For those interested in birding and contributing to bird data, another opportunity is the Great Backyard Bird Count, scheduled for Feb. 14-17. To participate, choose a location to watch birds, observe for at least 15 minutes during the four days, count all the birds seen or heard and use tools, like the Merlin Bird ID app or eBird.org, to share the sightings.

For more information about the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count, visit audubon.org/join-christmas-bird-count. Details on the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count can be found at birdcount.org.

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